FOUNDATIONS (NEW SERVICE)

We all know how exciting and organic the writing process becomes when we tap into our story's clear, underlying flow. The problem for most writers is that they often stumble in and out of this flow without conscious awareness of how they got there or how to get back there once it's gone. Sometimes it takes an entire rough draft for a writer to reach that crystallizing moment where it finally sinks in ("This is what my story is about!") and by then it's time for a page-one rewrite.

I'm introducing a new service designed to get you to the heart of your story and to get there you fast. In one powerhouse 90-minute session, we'll take your character or story idea - no matter how vague, confused or hazy - and hammer it out into a workable, streamlined map for your next screenplay. This is an hour-and-a-half of pure foundational work, so you walk away knowing exactly what your story is about before you set pen to paper. You'll no longer have to stumble into discovery, you'll be armed with clear understanding of what your movie is about and how to get there.

As always, quality writing comes first. We'll throw all the rules out the window and instead focus on what genuinely excites you about the story. And then we'lll crack that excitement open to find your movie:

• Define a strong thematic statement so that you know exactly what your movie is about from FADE IN to FADE OUT.
• Identify the core central conflict that powers every moment of your story forward.
• Create the committed hero that will most dynamically bring that central conflict to life.
• Plot a high-stakes arc for your hero that will bring him into the most dramatically dangerous territory possible.

Why not give your precious idea every advantage by getting in touch with its dramatic and thematic core before typing "FADE IN?" You'll not only have the space and freedom to let your imagination run wild but you'll also save yourself time, money and heartache down the line.

Pricing: $250

A NEW BEGINNING

This exhaustively thorough service hits all the major elements in writing a tight screenplay - character wants/needs, distinct character voices, hero/antihero bonding, the mechanics of proper transformation, high-risk drama, increasing conflict, meaningful subplots, steady flow of information, genre conventions.

• Hours-long consultation that covers: clear identification of theme and how to create a matching structure; identification of specific problem areas in the major elements of story; concrete solutions; strategies for overcoming blocks in your writing process
• Analysis of comparable movie to concretely show how discussed principles work in other stories
• 5-6 pages of single-spaced typewritten notes that summarize the main points discussed and highlight key screenwriting principles applicable to all future projects
• Custom-designed creative exercises and assignments to get you on track with the rewrite
• Follow up e-mail exchanges

This is a no-nonsense process that works because it simply makes sense, an incredible value for your dollar.

Pricing: $550

 

IN-DEPTH EXPLORATION

In-Depth Exploration takes the standard service into even more detailed territory with a two-hour consultation and a set of follow-up notes that include every single idea, criticism and flight-of-fancy that enters my head when reading your screenplay – covering issues as far-reaching as ideas for improved structure to a catalogued list of every scene that fails to provide new information. This 10-15 page set of single-spaced notes reads like a screenwriting guide specifically written with you and your project in mind:

• A thorough analysis of a comparable movie and how to apply relevant principles to strengthen your script
• In-depth explanation of how to better develop your theme through story and character
• Lessons on how to structure powerful hero transformation
• Numerous exercises and assignments to inform the next draft
• Extended concluding sections that clearly explain the underlying principles/lessons that can be applied to all future projects

In-Depth Exploration arms you with an arsenal of writing tools that to powerfully transform the next draft of your screenplay. The notes alone are worth the price.

Pricing: $850

 

SCRIPT COACHING

Let’s face it, writing at all levels brings demands and pressures that often overshadow what should be a joyous creative experience. That little kid who fell in love with the magic of the movies never had to worry about agent expectations, studio deals, financial demands, proving himself to Mom and Dad or the whole host of other issues that plague us.

This proactive service empowers you to bust through whatever resistance, blocks, hesitations or narrative snags are keeping you from writing your dream script. With weekly meetings and assignments over a two-month period, script coaching removes the suffocating pressure of End Result and instead helps you rediscover your passion for storytelling and the movies.

““Thank you for seeing through my layers and masks into the real story. Your guidance enabled me to finally muster the courage to tell the tale that I desperately wanted to tell. This service was invaluable.” - Maria C., screenwriter; Los Angeles, California “

Writing doesn’t have to be so hard! We’re the ones that make it so with our busy-bee intellect. Script coaching returns writing to its rightful place – creative, inspired, spontaneous, healthily challenging, fun. I use my analysis skills to hold down left-brained issues while you imagination gets to run amok and play in the dirt. Perfect for any stage of the development process and for writers of any level, script coaching eliminates the toxic idea of how/what you “should” be writing and reconnects you to what you want to be writing. This includes:

• Rediscover your passion and respect for the creative process
• Develop practical tools to deal with personal writing blocks
• Clear development of a central theme of meaningful significance to you
• Exercises to organically (not intellectually) develop character, theme, plot and structure
• Exercises for developing better dialogue, scene tension and dimensional character voice
• Weekly one – two hour meetings
• Ongoing assignments
• Ongoing feedback on produced work
• Ongoing e-mail/phone correspondence

Maintaining that pure creative spark can be difficult with so many demands from the outside world. Give your imagination a vacation.

“From character exercises, to channeling, to logistics, to writing writing writing, Jamie helped me achieve the script I was hoping to write. I butted heads with him, challenged him, and ultimately trusted him. He is a consumate professional who is only interested in achieving the final goal: the best script possible. His analytical skills are second to none.”  - Philip, independent filmmaker; Los Angeles, California

Pricing: $1,200
(for Los Angeles-based writers)

*Consultation takes place in person or on phone (client’s call)         
*Add $1 per page for every page over 120
*Scripts must adhere to industry-standard margins and font size
*Skype-enabled for international clients